NEWCASTLE United manager Sir Bobby Robson says he will not stand in the way of Craig Bellamy playing for Wales this weekend against Finland.

In an exclusive interview with the Echo, former England manager Robson revealed he has spoken to Wales manager Mark Hughes about Bellamy's availability for this weekend's encounter in Helsinki and vowed to do everything he can to help Wales.

But Robson believes his prize asset is not ready for international duty just yet and admits he is taking a gamble if he releases his star player.

"If I think that Craig can give Wales 20 minutes or so from the bench, then the lad can go with my blessing, no problems," said Robson.

"I know how important the game means to Craig and Wales, but people most realise that the lad had 20 minutes against Liverpool, and was sore around the hamstring and groin area, and was absolutely shattered the following morning.

"I can understand the Welsh frustration over this, but I have felt the same bloody frustration for the last seven months, the lad is a diamond to me and Newcastle United Football Club.

"But the fact is he has only played 20 minutes of football in seven months since the game against Sunderland last February, and I only played him against Liverpool because I had no option.

"I was England manager for eight years and know, what club and international managers go through.

"I will not stop any player going to play for his country. I have told Mark (Hughes) that if Craig is fit with no reaction today from last night's game against Blackburn then fine, he can go.

"It's a big enough task getting him fit for Newcastle United for the last seven months, and if he feels the same this morning as he did after the Liverpool game then, how can I realise him? We will have to wait later today for a medical decision.

"We have spent a lot of money on Craig's injury sending him to the best surgeon in the world in the States, and we have a brief on how to nurse him back to full fitness.

"If pushed then we will have to use it but I hope it won't come to that."

Meanwhile, Bellamy says he's ready to play for Wales after playing 53 minutes for Newcastle's reserves against Blackburn Rovers last night.

He said: "I feel great, I've had no reaction to the injury - but I was sore after the Liverpool game.

"I had a good run-out last night and needed to prove to Bobby and the medical staff that I'm fit to play some part in the Finland game.

"Hopefully, the boss will say yes. Obviously, I can't play a full game, but any part will be fantastic."